We Have to Escape

Summary:
Edward and Bella get married secretly. What will happen when Bella's cousins come to town? Will their secrets tear them apart, or will true love prevail? Thanks to MRSBellaCullenBlack for the amazing banner!

Notes:
I own nothing!

1. I Didn't Expect This...

As Edward drove me home from my highly decorated birthday party that Alice, my best friend, insisted on throwing for me, he was very thoughtful. He dropped me off, kissing me while my frowning father watched out the living room window.

I talked with Charlie for a few seconds, ran upstairs, and got ready to sleep. When I was done I sat on my bed, waiting for Edward to climb in my window.

I noted as he appeared that he had the strangest expression on his face... was it fear? Edward was never fearful except when it came to my safety. Maybe we were going to entertain more "curious guests"! I started to hyperventilate. This reaction solidified the nervous expression on his face, and for some reason he shoved his hand in the pocket of his black leather jacket, grasping onto something. He was acting very strange.

"Bella," he asked, "What is it? What has frightened you?" He was really worried. "Who is coming?" I whispered.

"What do you mean? No one is coming." He sat down, wrapped his arms around me, and continued, "I came here to ask a question. Please hear me out before refusing." The nervous expression was back in place. Maybe he wanted to talk about what happened with Jasper.

I contemplated for a few seconds. This wasn't an unreasonable request. I waited a few more seconds, teasing him, and answered, "Alright Edward. Have it your way."

He scowled as he said, "Bella, this is important. Could you please drop the sarcasm?" I nodded. I could see this was important to him.

He knelt down in front of me and asked, "Isabella Marie Swan, I love you more than anything, and would go to the end of the world for you. Marry me?"

As he said this he pulled out an engagement ring that was clearly from the Edwardian period. Huh. Ironic. It had three large diamonds in a setting with ornate scrollwork and it took my breath away.

I started to cry, which made the diamonds seem even bigger! I sat in thought for so long that I lost track of time. I wanted to be with Edward forever, but Renee had long ago convinced me of the value of a marriage later in life. Sure I would marry Edward later...when I was old. In that I found the solution. All he had to do was concede on one point and I would run off to Vegas tonight. Alice wouldn't like that very much....

"Why do you want to marry me now? I mean I turned eighteen today! Can't this wait?" He was going to have to offer what I wanted above everything else in the world or no deal.

He got back up and sat beside me, "Well, I'm 107 and not getting any younger. Also, look at the era I grew up in. In my time, I would have proposed months ago. I can't spend a second away from you anymore." His golden eyes softened as he plead, "Please Bella. Marry me. We don't have to tell anyone just yet, please!"

He was so sincere. It shook my resolve. I played my card, "Well, if you can't live without me, then what will happen when I die? I'm going to die you know."

He stiffened and I could tell I'd asked the question that he prefer we avoid. After a short pause, he frowned, "This does not appertain to my question Bella!" his voice was abruptly harsh.

"I'll marry you Edward, if you change me. That is my condition. Getting married is a stretch for me; you need to give something in return."

We sat in silence for a few minutes, thinking. Finally he asked, "And you'll marry me if I agree." I'd won.

"Yes," I replied, "on Halloween and it stays a secret until graduation. When we go to "college" you can change me. Is that alright?"

"That is fine. I must ask though, why Halloween?"

I thought he would have figured it out. "What vampire doesn't like Halloween?" I started to giggle.

He contemplated my plan for a minute, and said, "You're devious. You know that?"

"Is that why you're marrying me?"

"Only one reason out of many, love. I would name all your good qualities, but you wouldn't get any sleep tonight."

"Good answer." "Are you ready to sleep now?"

"Yes I think so. Goodnight Edward."

"Goodnight Bella, my love, my life, my fiancée." I cringed as he started humming my lullaby, but soon drifted off into oblivion.